One moment, you’re cruising down the road, and the next, your car’s smashed, and the other driver is long gone. The Golden State leads the nation in these collisions, with 10.1% of all deadly crashes from 2012 to 2021 involving a driver who fled the scene. In 2022 alone, Los Angeles County reported 7,208 cases.
But it’s not just about dented fenders or cracked bumpers. Victims are often left with sky-high medical bills, missed paychecks, and the emotional toll of not knowing who’s responsible or if justice will ever be served. For families grieving the loss of a loved one, the heartbreak is compounded by financial uncertainty.
Recovery isn’t just physical. You may be juggling confusing insurance issues, legal gray areas, and unanswered questions. But you don’t have to do it alone.
If you’ve been hit and the other driver has disappeared, here’s what you need to know and how a skilled California car accident attorney can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Types of Hit and Run Scenarios
Hit and run collisions can happen under all kinds of circumstances on California roads. The details—how the crash occurred and who was involved—play a role in what steps you should take next and what type of claim you can file.
Here are some common scenarios:
- Driver hits your parked car and leaves. This kind of crash occurs when a driver hits a parked car and leaves without leaving a note or reporting it. Most victims only discover the damage later, often with no clue who’s responsible.
- Driver causes injuries and flees the scene. In this situation, a driver crashes into another moving vehicle, injures someone, and speeds off without stopping. The victim is left alone to deal with the injuries, damage, and confusion without any help or information from the other driver.
- Driver hits a pedestrian or cyclist and leaves. These cases involve a pedestrian or cyclist being hit by a vehicle, with the driver fleeing the scene instead of stopping to help. The injuries are often severe or even fatal, and victims are frequently found alone, unable to call for help.
- Commercial driver leaves after causing a crash. In this case, a company vehicle or delivery driver causes an accident and drives off. Investigating the incident may require tracing the driver’s route, reviewing delivery logs, or contacting their employer to identify the responsible party.
If you’ve suffered hit and run car accident injuries, it’s vital to take the right steps after the collision. Preserving evidence and reporting the accident promptly may help authorities identify the driver and support your insurance claim.
What To Do After a Hit and Run
The aftermath of a hit and run can be overwhelming, but what you do next matters. Your response can affect both your recovery and your ability to pursue legal action.
Here’s how to protect your health, your rights, and your future:
Call 911
Always report the incident immediately, even if you’re unsure how badly you’re hurt. Law enforcement will create a report and may start looking for the other driver immediately. If there’s any sign of injury, request emergency medical help.
Gather Evidence
If you can, take photos of your vehicle, injuries, debris, and the surrounding area. Try to write down or record anything you remember about the other vehicle, such as the make, model, color, or partial license plate.
If witnesses saw the accident, ask for their contact information.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay at first, getting checked out by a doctor is important. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away. Medical records will also help document your condition for insurance or legal claims.
File a Police Report
Filing a police report after a hit and run is required for accidents resulting in injury, death, or property damages over $1,000. If the crash involved a fatality, you must report it to the California Highway Patrol within 24 hours.
For all other collisions, use Form SR-1 and file with the DMV within 10 days. This report can be used later for insurance or legal claims.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Let your insurance provider know what happened. Depending on your policy, you may have coverage even if the other driver isn’t found.
But be cautious, as any statements you make could give insurers a reason to reduce your payout. A skilled California hit and run lawyer can step in to manage communications if needed.
Can You Still File a Claim if the Driver Isn’t Found?
After a hit and run, many people are left asking the same question: What happens if no one ever identifies the driver? Even without that information, you may still have options for a hit and run insurance claim.
Not sure where to start? Here are your possible options, even when the at-fault driver can’t be identified:
| Claim Option | What It Does | What To Know |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) | An uninsured motorist claim in California provides compensation through their own policy when the at-fault driver is unknown or lacks insurance. |
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| Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) | MedPay covers medical treatment expenses regardless of who caused the crash. |
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| Legal Claims Through Other Sources | Opens the door to additional compensation if another party is later identified or found partially liable. |
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Even if the at-fault driver is never found, you may still have options for compensation. A qualified attorney can help you pursue a hit and run accident settlement that covers your medical bills, lost income, and other damages from the crash.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
The impact of an accident with a fleeing driver can be far-reaching. Victims may experience disruptions to their daily lives, financial stress, and emotional trauma.
When the accident results in a fatality, families are often left facing funeral costs, lost income, and the sudden absence of a loved one.
With the right legal support, you may be able to pursue damages for:
- Medical bills for emergency care, hospital visits, rehab, and medication
- Physical pain and injuries that limit movement or daily activities
- Lost income from missed work or business during recovery
- Damage to your car or other property, including repair, towing, or rental costs
- Mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, or depression after the crash
In cases involving a tragic wrongful death, surviving family members may also pursue compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.
How an Attorney Can Help
Hit and run cases often leave victims with more questions than answers—delayed insurance claims, missing details, and legal uncertainty. While you focus on healing, your legal team can take charge of the process and protect your rights.
Here’s how they can help:
Investigate the Incident
Attorneys often work with accident reconstruction experts, review traffic camera footage, and track down witnesses to help uncover the identity of the driver who left the scene or build a case using circumstantial evidence.
Handle Insurance Claims
Even your own insurer may push back on paying the full amount. A lawyer can manage communications, ensure good-faith payouts based on your policy coverages, and prevent delays or denials.
Fighting Denied or Lowball Settlements
Insurance companies may try to minimize your payout, especially when the other driver can’t be found. An attorney can accurately calculate damages, gather documentation, and argue for the full value of your claim.
Pursue All Avenues for Compensation
In addition to insurance, a knowledgeable attorney will identify other routes to recover damages, such as third-party liability, local business footage, or even defective roadway conditions if they contributed to the crash.
At The Shirvanian Law Firm, our award-winning team has years of experience with hit and run accident claims throughout California. We understand the emotional toll these cases can take and move quickly to protect victims’ rights and pursue every option for financial recovery.
Get Qualified Legal Help After a Hit and Run Collision
A hit and run accident can leave you feeling shaken, frustrated, and unsure where to turn. At The Shirvanian Law Firm, we provide compassionate, experienced legal support to guide you through this difficult time and fight for the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
Whether you’re ready to take legal action or just want answers, we’re here to help. Contact us for a free case review. We can explain your legal options, protect your rights, and help you seek the financial recovery you need to move forward.
